In the world of dentistry, there are many myths that sway our opinions about sitting down in that dentists chair. One of the most common myths is that X-rays are actually harmful and unnecessary when it comes to oral health. We’re here to tell you that isn’t the case at all. Regular dental X-rays are important for many reasons. First of all, X-rays give the dentist an important look at the mouth that you just can’t see with the naked eye. These simple scans (which take only a few seconds) can show tooth decay, bone loss, gum disease, root damage and many other oral health concerns. They show the dentist which areas need focus and are a useful tool in creating a dental health routine that is best for each individual patient. While it’s a no-brainer that these scans are useful, many people are still afraid to have them done.
What is Radiation?
Radiation is a word everyone has heard before. We toss it around without learning about what it means and what it does to the body. Radiation is the transmission of energy in the form of waves through space. An X-ray works by transmitting light through the body to illuminate certain ailments and health problems. X-rays have been used to diagnose patients since 1895, where previously exploratory surgery was required to determine what was wrong. Different types of X-rays transmit varying amounts of radiation.
Am I safe?
When it comes to X-rays, dental X-rays emit the least amount of radiation. To give you an idea, this amount is similar to the amount of radiation from a short airplane flight and about half the amount of radiation than you would receive from the sun in a day. So fear no more! Dental X-rays are quite safe and benefit your health greatly. Most dentists will recommend getting X-rays twice a year or when you are experiencing dental problems. Climb up into that chair and get comfortable, we will make sure you receive the best dental care from your friends over at Lasting Impressions Dental Spa in Encino.
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(In the absence of periodontal disease, other conditions may apply)
